SERMON XXIX, 409 Cor. v. 10. But the meaning ofthe apostle, when he bicis us avoid evil companions is, as much as possible, to shun their coin- ?any ; see therefore that it a necessary call ofprovidence leads you amongst them; otherwise abstain. Those who give them- selves up to be entertained by every one that will entertain them, those who will walk with every companion, and will herd with every drove, they are in danger ofbeingcorruptedwith any vice, and of learning every ill principle. But if through the grace of God, we should escape the infection, of error or sin, yet we shall loose our good name by keeping ill company. A delight in base and worthless companions, will make the world judge that we are like them : Whereas we shall gain a part of the good cha- racter of our associates and acquaintance,` and derive honour from them, if we are so happy as to have friendship and intimacy with persons of piety, learning and virtue. May these be the friends of my choice, and my companions for ever V. Abstinence from the utmost bounds of things lawful, is another practice of good report amongst men. It is but a nar- row line in many cases, that divides, between a lawful and a sin- ful practice ; and ifwe will venture, as near as possible to the very borders of what we think lawful, we shew too great an incli- nation to the bordering iniquity, and we shall often be in danger of treading on forbidden ground. Ifwe indulge the love of plea- sure, or give an unguarded loose to any unlawful passion, we shall; find it difficult to with-hold the violence of corrupt nature from transgressing the lawful bounds. 1f a wild horsebe indulg- ed in his career, it is well ifhe does not break the reins, and fling the rider. It is a foolish fancy to walk upon the edge of a pre- cipice, unless we could infallibly secure our head from giddi- ness, or our feet from stumbling. It is much safer therefore to keep a proper distance from fatal danger. The worldwill give us but an ill character, and say very justly concerning us, that we are not much afraid of vice, if we dare rashly venture into temptation. It is the advice of the Holy Spirit, and St. Paul to the chris- tian converts, Abstain from all appearance of eiil; 1 Thess. w. 22. And the Apostle Jude requiresus tohate even thegarments that arespotted by theflesh; Jude, verse 23. Every thing that looks like guilt should forbid our approach ; we should chuse to stand afar off,, and withhold our desires, lest we defile our con- sciences, and bring a blemish upon our character. What an honour is it to any man, when it is said concerning him, " He has it tender soul, and a conscienpe that will not stretch, to the length of the loosecustoms and fashions of the times : he dares not allowHimself all the liberties that are innocent and lawful, lest he shóµld woundhis own spirit, andhis goodnamne, by venturing
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